ScottishPower CEO to take on Run the Blades challenge

17/07/2018

As Chief Executive Officer of world leading wind energy company, ScottishPower, Keith Anderson is accustomed to achieving results through hard work and determination. However, he is set to take on a challenge of a very different nature.

Keith will be joining many of his colleagues on the 20th and 21st of July to take on a unique running event, Run the Blades. The event, sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables, will see people flock to the company’s Whitelee Windfarm, the largest onshore windfarm in the UK, to take part in two days of running competitions.

“To host an event like Run the Blades at our windfarm is fantastic and it will be a stunning course to run,” explained Keith.

“Personally, I enjoy running and try to run every week as I find it a great way to clear your mind and I cannot wait to join the other runners in the 10km race.”

Established in 2015, Run the Blades is the biggest event of its kind in Scotland and this year more than 1,200 competitors will take on the three distance courses available - 10km, half-marathon and 50km ultramarathon - surrounded by over 200 turbines and picturesque countryside at the UK’s largest onshore windfarm.

Keith, who will be taking part in the 10km race, said: “Earlier this month, myself and two teams from ScottishPower completed the Brecon Beacons UK Challenge in aid of ScottishPower’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. The event proved a great success, uniting colleagues from across the company.

“For Run the Blades, I will be making a donation towards the funds being raised by our wider ScottishPower team for Cancer Research UK.”

Health and wellbeing of staff is paramount to ScottishPower with many colleagues having access to onsite gym facilities. In 2017, the company became the first to register for the ‘Walk the Daily Mile’ initiative, which encourages employees to walk a mile every day to improve their wellbeing and fitness.

Keith concluded: “At ScottishPower we have a strong focus on health and safety. People often talk about safety when referring to health and safety, but the health element is just as important. When creating our new headquarters giving our staff the option to keep fit via an onsite gym was a key consideration and our Daily Mile pledge is something as a company we feel very passionately about.

“Following the recent warm weather the country has been experiencing, Run the Blades will be a challenge but one I am confident my colleagues and I will be able to overcome. I hope the other runners do not leave me behind, but good luck to all taking part in what I am sure will be an enjoyable weekend,” added Keith.